On Monday, December 12, Burien City Manager Gary Long announced his departure from the City effective January 1, 2006. Long said he has worked out a transition agreement with the Burien City Council. Long said: "I have consulted with the Councilmembers who will remain seated in January. They have indicated they prefer to select new management in 2006."

Mayor Noel Gibb thanked Long for his seven years of service to Burien "Gary has been very successful in moving Burien forward these past seven years. Our parks, streets, neighborhoods and downtown revitalization with the Town Square project have all been major improvements on his watch. We will always remain grateful for his creativity and leadership." Gibb, who is also leaving the Council this year noted that he hoped and expected that Burien's goals and priorities will be continued with a new Council and management in 2006.

Joan McGilton, Deputy Mayor, also thanks Gary for his years of dedication to planning and implementing the "Burien Vision". "We will continue to move into 2006 with Town Square and all of the wonderful economic development that is making Burien the community we want to live in. The City has matured in the last few years under Mr. Long's direction. I expect, now that all Town Square contracts are in place, we will move forward quickly with an even greater pride in Burien."

Long said: "I appreciate the honor of having served Burien and will do whatever I can to support the management transition. Burien is a wonderful community with a great future. It also enjoys an extraordinary dedicated staff. I am happy to assist the Council and staff so they can continue the important economic revitalization work that has been launched over the past few years." Long's transition agreement with the Council lasts for six months and provides limited consulting hours during that period.